Gerald Lynn Eastham

GERALD LYNN EASTHAM lost his courageous five-year battle with leukemia on Monday morning, the 3rd of November 2008, at the age of 75. He was born on the 4th of August 1933, in Beaumont, Texas, to Edith and Albert Lynn Eastham. After graduating from Beaumont High School in 1951 he attended Texas A&M University for 2 years then joined the U.S. Marines in July of 1953, and was honorably discharged in April of 1955. After his service he joined the family business, Beaumont Well Works, in Beaumont. After his father passed away he successfully managed and grew the business until selling a portion of Beaumont Well Works in 1977. He started Big E Drilling Company in 1981 and in 1987 started Eastham Forge going again on the same property it had originated in 1913. Both companies have survived tough times under his reign, and he would credit all of the dedicated, hard working employees, and his two sons, for his success. Both companies are currently operated and managed by his two sons. Gerald is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Eileen Shauer Eastham; his two sons, A. Lynn Eastham, and Lyle Eastham and his wife Andrea Hassel Eastham; and granddaughters Madelynn, Bella, and Aspen Eastham. He will be missed by many other nieces and nephews as well as many employees and business associates. Their two dogs Annie and Molly will miss his company and companionship. Gerald had a passion for flying since he was young and he rekindled that spirit during the last three years of his life. His passion was felt by several pilots who will miss his presence at the airport and in the air. Friends are cordially invited to a reception with the family to be held from five o'clock in the afternoon until seven o'clock in the evening on Wednesday, the 5th of November, in the Library of Geo. H. Lewis and Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. A Celebration of Gerald's Life will be conducted at one o'clock in the afternoon on Thursday, the 6th of November, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, following a private family graveside service at Memorial Oaks Cemetery. Because he would want the fight to continue for the cure of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a common form of leukemia, the family requests with gratitude that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be directed to the CLL Global Research Foundation, c/o Michael Keating, M.B. B.S., Unit 428, P.O. Box 301402, Houston, TX 77230-1402, or online by selecting the "donate" option at www.cllglobal.org/donate.htm. The family wishes to express their gratitude to his Doctor, Michael Keating, and nurse, Alice Lynn, for all of their diligence, compassion, and hard work that will continue every day to fight cancer at M.D. Anderson.